Tribological evaluation of hydrogel articulations for joint arthroplasty applications

► Characterizing the wear behavior of hydrogel articulations is problematic. ► We evaluated tribological properties of hydrogel-on-hydrogel articulation using submerged measurements. ► Average wear rate of hydrogel was not statistically different than undetectable wear. ► Submerged weights were more suitable than wet weights in quantifying hydrogel wear.